NEW ORLEANS, LA — A powerful winter cold front sweeping through Southeast Louisiana has left thousands of residents in the dark on Monday morning, December 29, 2025. As temperatures began a sharp descent and wind gusts intensified, utility companies reported significant outages across Orleans, Tangipahoa, and Jefferson parishes, disrupting the post-Christmas morning for many families.
The Scale of the Outage
According to Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans outage trackers, the situation escalated quickly as the sun rose. As of 6:00 AM CST, the following numbers were reported:
- Orleans Parish: Over 1,700 customers without power.
- Tangipahoa Parish: More than 1,200 customers affected, primarily concentrated in the Roseland area.
- Jefferson Parish: Approximately 600 customers in the dark, with specific impacts noted in Terrytown near Carol Sue Avenue.
While the total number of affected residents represents a small percentage of the regional grid, the timing—amidst a significant weather transition—has raised concerns regarding home heating and safety for vulnerable populations.
Weather: The Primary Culprit
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans/Baton Rouge office confirm that a strong cold front is currently pushing through the region. This system has brought sustained northerly winds and gusts that are suspected of downing tree limbs and stressing older electrical infrastructure.
“We are seeing a classic ‘shock to the system’ with this front,” says a local meteorological update. “Gusty north winds are increasing this morning, and we expect a drastic drop in temperatures throughout the day.”
By Tuesday morning, the region is bracing for a potential hard freeze, with wind chills predicted to dip into the upper 10s and lower 20s. These conditions make the restoration of power a race against time, as residents without electricity will have no access to central heating during the coldest night of the year so far.
Entergy’s Response and Restoration Efforts
Entergy representatives have confirmed that crews are already in the field assessing damage and beginning repairs. While a specific cause for each localized outage hasn’t been pinpointed, a spokesperson noted that “sporadic outages are common during high-wind events.”
“Our crews are responding and working safely to restore power as quickly as possible,” Entergy stated. “Customers are encouraged to check the live outage map for specific restoration estimates in their neighborhoods.”
Restoration efforts in South Louisiana can be complicated by the region’s geography and the age of certain transmission lines. In Orleans Parish, where outages are more widespread, crews are focusing on “backbone” circuits that serve critical infrastructure before moving into residential pockets.
Safety Reminders for Residents
Local authorities and NWS officials are urging residents to protect the “Four P’s” as the cold air settles in:
- People: Check on elderly neighbors and ensure everyone has adequate blankets and warm clothing.
- Pets: Bring all outdoor animals inside.
- Plants: Cover sensitive vegetation or move it indoors.
- Pipes: Wrap exposed outdoor pipes and allow indoor faucets to drip to prevent freezing.
Additionally, residents are warned to stay away from downed power lines. Any line on the ground should be treated as live and dangerous. If you are using a portable generator, ensure it is placed at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Looking Ahead
The outlook for the remainder of the week suggests a prolonged cold snap. While the power outages currently affecting thousands are expected to be resolved by Monday afternoon, the strain on the grid may increase as the “deep freeze” arrives Tuesday morning and heating demand spikes across the state.
Utility providers are monitoring the situation closely, especially after the “load shed” events seen earlier in 2025. For now, the focus remains on getting the lights back on for those in Tangipahoa, Orleans, and Jefferson before the sun sets and the mercury drops further.
For the latest updates on restoration times, visit the Entergy Storm Center.